This Operation was different from Operation Rat executed by the AFFS. Because the High Command decided to attack on a broad front and the DCMS were a better prepared as the CCAF. The danger of such an operation was that the rear of the front line could be only defended with small forces which such a long front. The LCAF had only one primary goal: to destroy as many DCMS 'Mech commands as possible. The Archon was personally involved in the planning of the different waves. The overall command lay in the hands of Nondi Steiner and her aides: General Jerry Troka, Kommandant-General Mitch Felspar and General Jack Spine. In late August 3028 several hundred JumpShips, DropShips and their cargo arrived in 23 Combine-controlled systems.[1]

Outcome: The fighting for this planet was fierce. Outnumbered 3 to 1 the veteran defenders ran out of maneuver space after repeated raids of the Lyran forces. The lightning companies of the Guards pinned the DCMS in place, but the Stalkers were able to retreat with the sacrifice of some of their heavier machines.[3]

Outcome: The defending mercenaries made a request to the invaders to settle the battle using the old rules of combat. The soldiers fought against each other with no outside help. After 72 hours of continuous fighting the dust settled and the damaged Tooth of Ymir retreated off world having lost 36 machines.[4]

Outcome: The Rangers thought they had an easy target, but their overconfidence were a failure for the coming fights. The 'Mech force split from the main force and tried to capture or kill the future Coordinator. Theodore Kurita let them pay dearly for this actions. The conventional forces suffer moderate losses. The Legion captured one Lyran JumpShip and jumped to the Vega system.[5]

Outcome: The fighting was fierce and bitter. The cadre suffered horrendous losses through the invaders. Only 50 percent could retreat off world after a final battle near the planetary capital Moritz.[6]

Outcome: The defenders were split into 3 equal forces. One by one the defenders suffer defeat after defeat. Only the sacrifice of a conventional unit saved some 'Mechs of the Cadre, which made it back to Combine space.[6]

Outcome: The CO of the Guards thought that 'Mech forces alone could gain victory against normal mercenaries, but the fight for the planet was brutal. While the defenders left the planet defeated, the Invaders also took heavy damage, because their own conventional forces weren't in range for support.[6]

Outcome: The light machines of the Legion were trapped in near the planetary capital, because the invaders landed south and north of the defenders. The Lyrans gave their best and the Legion left 2 destroyed companies on the planet.[6]

Outcome: The commanding officer of the defenders killed himself, after suffering a minor defeat from the invading forces which were commanded by a woman. His second in command was such a poor tactician that the Rasalhague Regulars had to leave the planet after a short series of battles.

Outcome:This planet was important for both sides. The DCMS could lost a prefecture world to the enemy and the Lyrans could get an opportunity to catch important people/documents with devastating effect for the dragon.

The defenders include some of the best forces available to the DCMS and the invaders were also carefully selected in form of the 3rd Royal Guards of the LCAF. The Guards used some unorthodox tactics (including the use of naval vessel) to surprise this elite regiment. The 2nd Sword was nearly annihilated when they were trapped in a mountain range. 6 Fortress - Class drop ship in the back and the 3rd Guards in the front were too much for many soldiers. The defenders lost during the battle many good soldiers. The effective use of the DropShip squadron was repeated several times. The DCMS learned to fade away with the incoming DropShips. The 6th Arkab Legion which arrived as reinforcement suffers from the landing constant loses. The 20th Arcturan Guards were send to support the 3rd Guards.

The DCMS retreat back to a large urban center. In preparation of an assault the set traps at every possible place.[9]

Outcome:The battle for Vega changed with the arrival of Theodore Kurita. He lead the 2 Legion of Vega units after a series of victories to that point, where the overall commander of the Lyran Guards make a decision to retreat before completely destroyed by the inspirit defenders.[10]

During the first phase of Operation Götterdämmerung the DCMS were surprised by the ferocity of the invading LCAF. From the initial 23 system 21 were conquered. The Archon decided to use the swing to push further into the Combine with the goal that the draconian High Command must use their reserve units to hold the line. The forces were exhausted from the continued fighting and old problems rose again. The DCMS had recovered from the initial shock and started also single counterattacks. [11]

Outcome:Many of the planet's population revolted, when the Tyr Regiment appeared on the planet. When the Lyrans engaged the DCMS forces, the Tyr Regiment crushed 17th Rasalhague Regulars, leaving the already damaged 5th Amphigean LAG and Helmut's Hermits in a severe position. Both mercenary commands retreated in short order.

Nondi Steiner was the overall commander during the follow up invasion and pressed her troops further with the goal to destroy more DCMS command and to conquer more territory from the Dragon. In that situation the LCAF troops could not prepare a possible counterattack. The DCMS started their campaign in the late 3028/early 3029. [13]

Outcome: The Caballeros returned to Sabik after a short period of rest and refit on Moore. The defending Fusiliers were surprised about the fighting strength of the Caballeros. After losing two thirds of its initial strength the Fusiliers retreated off world

Outcome: The DCMS discover a breach at the LCAF front and exploited it for the successful capture of La Blon. The LCAF was not prepared for defensive operations but could capture Unzmarkt, Ueda, Imbros III, Atria, Morzirje and Skokie, because the DCMS captured Vega, Altenmarkt, La Blon, Cebalrai and Sabik. [13]

Outcome: The invasion of the 10th Donegal Guards were stopped when the defending Regulars retreated to prepared positions near the planetary capital. The commanding officers of the 10th Donegal want not to waste his men in the fight for the city. The artillery of the 10th Guards fired from hills down at the city. The Regulars use the time to laying minefield. With the arrival of the 1st Lyran Guards the siege turned in favor of the 10th Guards. The 25th Regulars had enough time to send some troops against the 1st Lyrans. The Kuritan unit used a weak link between the conventional forces and the 10th Guards to slip through. Both Lyran forces tried to close the trap but it was too late. The two commands fired on each other which killed some soldiers. The 25th Regulars retreated off world.[15]

Outcome: The Winfield Brigade forced the Militia go in the underground when the Brigade captured all major cities on the planet. However, Winfield's Brigade lacked the man-power to garrison the cities and still pursue the Altenmarkt Militia. When the Brigade was reinforced by the 4th Donegal Guards, the Altenmarkt Militia headed off world and the resistance movement collapsed soon after. [16]

Outcome: The Lyran Guards give its best to crush all resistance on this planet, but the ongoing campaign against the defenders took its toll. With fresh troops and badly needed supplies the invaders forced the 5th Cadre to surrender and the mercs off planet.[17]

Outcome: The DCMS defenders fortified their positions but the frontline was over 170 km long. The Combine troops had not enough men to defend all sectors equal good. That was a weak link which was used by the assault Tyr regiment. The Rasalhagian unit crossed a river and defeated the outnumbered DCMS soldiers after a short fight. The LCAF 'Mech forces started their assaults to, where they capture to one important bridge. The 13th Rasalhague Regulars repulsed the attack on their position. The 9th Pesht Regulars sent some troops as reinforcement but it was too late, the Steiner troops had gained a foothold on the other riverside. Both Kuritan 'Mech forces retreated back to the capital to build another defense line. The CO's get the order from the District Commander to abandon the world. The soldiers followed the order but weren't happy about it. The Tyr rebelled against the LCAF orders to secure their position. The command followed the DCMS troops to Radstadt.

The 9th Regulars tried to block the advancing Tyr regiment but were pushed by side. When the Rasalhagian citizens get notices of the coming Tyr command they turned their aggression against the remaining 13th Regulars. Both units retreated deeper into Combine territory.

Outcome: The Rasalhague Regulars made a suicide assault against this important Lyran world. The CO of the merc command and the Duke of Tamar had a dispute about how the Regulars could rout out. The mercenary send the Duke to sleep with a knockout and destroyed the DCMS unit to the last machine. The Duke demands the execution of the officer but was forced to rethink his decision with the arrival of a higher ranking official. [19]

Outcome: The defending 22nd Regulars went underground when the 2 Lyran mercenary commands arrived at the planet. For several weeks both sides played hide and seek. The commander of the Mobile Fire unit send a message to the Bad Dream command that some of his solders get sick from a local disease. The Regulars decode the message successful. Then the DCMS unit tried to use the situation to its advantage but it was a trap. The 22nd surrendered and the CO killed himself by a cyanide capsule because of the dishonor. [16]

Outcome: The surface of the planet was an obstacle to both forces. The 7th Sword had reinforced the planetary militia on a plateau. The position was easy to defend. The 14th Donegal Guards tried to try them out when they captured all major cities. But the attempt was partly successful because the DCMS unit used their air superiority to best advantage. The Guards know they had to go after the Sworders. After 35 days the Guards arrived at plateau. The rocky environment made the approach for the Steiner command easy. The air unit of the Combine was surprised in the middle of rearming when the 14th Guard destroyed it. The 7th Sword of Light regiment retreat under fire back to the awaiting DropShips. The planet belonged to the Commonwealth.

Outcome: The fight for the planet was fierce. During the lull the High Command recalls the CO and sends the unit a new commander. The Hussars held the urban center on the surface because the Guards had control over the landscape. Every time the Guards tried to secure one of the cities the Hussars arrived with superior numbers and defeat the Lyrans. The new CO chose to strike at the head of the Hussars. The Lyrans captured an enemy convoy. The Guards sent 8 'Mechs together with the vehicles near the estimated position of the enemy HQ. At night the 2 lances strike at the base. All 'Mechs were destroyed but the Tai-sa and many high-ranking officers were killed to. The Hussars retreated after 7 day off world. [20]

Outcome: The 3rd Guards make a final assault at Buckminster City. The DCMS defenders had over 16 weeks to prepare their defenses properly. The 20th Arcturan blocked at this time a possible link between the two Kuritan troops. From the first battles within the city the 3rd Guards had problems to get the upper hand. The infantry and the conventional forces of the 2nd Sword attack on every opportunity. The 20th Guards get order to reinforce the Royal Guards with additional troops. Only a small force was left behind to block every break through attempt of the 6th Legion. The Legion used the situation to destroy the small forces and assaulted the main force of the 20th Guards. The Commanding Officer from the LCAF decided to pull troops back from the assault to reinforce the 20th Guards. The seasoned 2nd Sword went from the defense to the offense. The fight continued for 72 hours. The LCAF withdrew from that world.

Outcome: The fight for the planet continued for several months. The DCMS unit retreats every time when the LCAF mercenaries built a local superiority. The 9th Regulars were trapped in a small valley. The Commanding Officer decided to abandon the planet.[21]

Outcome: The 5th Rasalhague Regular had their difficulties on the planet. The anti combine movement Tyr started a terrorist campaign in May. With the arrival of the 23rd Arcturan Guards the attacks getting stronger. After several months both sides were equal strong. without a winner Coordinator give order to retreat from the world.

Outcome: The 4th Skye Rangers defended the planet even against a superior enemy successful. After the lull the Rangers were resupplied and repaired. In that condition it was easy for the LCAF command to harass the 13th Dieron Regulars which had lost their commanding officer and 36 'Mechs during the failed assault on Lyons. The DCMS retreat from the world under such circumstances.

Outcome: The other half of the Skye Rangers used also the time for rest and refit. With the start of the hostilities again the Ranger chased the defending 17th Rasalhague Regular. The DCMS unit lifted off world back to Combine space.

The LCAF decided to use reserve units to expand the invasion in to the combine further. Even planetary militia was used on some occasion to capture these worlds. The end goal was to capture 8 more worlds from the Dragon.[22]

Outcome: The planet was important to the Dragon because of the minerals on the surface. The world was defended by the elite 18th Dieron Regulars. The initial landing was uncontested. The Lyrans could encircle the Regulars after several minor skirmishes. The 2nd Battalion of the Regulars tried to use a valley to get behind the defense perimeter of the LCAF forces. A patrol discovers the enemy and called for reinforcement. In the following fight the Battalion was destroyed but allowed the remaining to get into the desert. The LCAF tried to catch them over the next several weeks but without success. The Lyran High Command give order to retreat back to Commonwealth space.

Outcome: The battle for the planet was undecided. The Dieron Regulars had control over a strategic point and the 17th Donegal Guards found no way to break through. Both Commanders request for additional forces but only the LCAF send some. With the arrival of the Legion the Regulars were outnumbered. The CO of the 22nd gives order to break out. The Guards were unprepared for such a move and the 22nd Dieron Regular Guards could escape from the world.

Outcome: The LCAF had on mind to recover the world again from the Dragon. The 1st Royal Guards together with 6 lances of Barrett's Fusiliers landed on the planet. Within 24 hours the DCMS defenders lost over 36 'Mechs in combat. The Fort Minotaur, the main base of the defenders, was captured after fierce fighting. The main body of the Hussars retreat to countryside. For several days the Lyrans tried to find the Proserpina Hussars, but nothing happen. The commanding officer of the Royal Guards set a trap. The Hussars believed a false transmission that the Fort Minotaur was under defended. In a bold attack the Hussars charged to the Fort and the Guards awaited them. The DCMS survivors retreat after 3 hours but in the meantime the Fusiliers had set a trap in the back of the Hussars to. Only a few Lances were in the conditions to get to the awaiting DropShip for lift off.

Outcome: The local weather conditions were in favor of the defenders. The 24th Lyran Guards landed far away from its initial drop zone. Then the planetary militia began to harass the flanks of the invaders. The Caballeros chose to fight the enemy in open terrain and lost. After suffering serious losses the mercenaries retreated off world.

The DCMS unit was disorganized and no effort was started to stop the invasion of the LCAF. Theodore Kurita called the CO's from all units in the Dieron District for a meeting. He argued that the rear of the Steiner front was under defended. His plan was to get behind the front line, use the planets for offensive actions and bring the Commonwealth advance to a hold. The officers agreed with him. Theodore gets support from an unexpected direction. Duke Aldo Lestrade had send diplomats to discuss the possible independence of the Federation of Skye with the support of the Draconis Combine. The Tai-sa chose Dromini VI as the first target of the Operation.[26]

Outcome: The DCMS sent some ISF operatives to the world where they supported the anti commonwealth movement. The hostility on the planet increased seriously. The local garrison was overpowered by the rebels. In the next few days the DCMS units arrived at the system.

Outcome: The Guards began a frontal assault but were surrounded and beaten. The CO Frederick Steiner offer himself as hostage, when his unit could retreat off planet. Theodore Kurita agreed. The LCAF sent the 1st Royal Guards and Barrett's Fusiliers to catch the heir of the Dragon but without success. Loki agents sabotaged six of Theodore Kurita's JumpShips. With such losses the operation were stopped. The DCMS retreat back to Combine space.[27]

Outcome: The fight for this planet was short and brutal. Even the superior numbers could not turn the tide for the Dragon and the defending mercs battered the Sword of Light to a shadow of its former self. Then the Genyosha arrived to. The fight was battle out between the two COs. The Hounds gained another victory and the beaten CO (Yorinaga Kurita) killed himself because he would not leave with the shame of defeat from normal mercenaries.[28]

The Lyrans had many things going for them. They had the Rasalhague rebels fomenting insurrection and providing them with intelligence. They had Takashi Kurita's distraction with Wolf's Dragoons. They used these advantages to push the Draconis Combine back along a very broad front. They took a number of traditionally Rasalhagian worlds from the Combine, though their successes did not match what the Federated Suns managed to achieve against the Capellans.

Lyran military doctrine was significantly different than that of the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns. Whereas the AFFS executed several different "waves," effectively leapfrogging each other, the Lyrans used their wall of assault 'Mechs and pushed into the Draconis Combine on a very broad front. This was not a tactic that had served the Lyrans well in the past, but circumstances conspired to make it a feasible strategy for the 4th War.

The Lyran offensive was stalled when the Combine struck back and scored a couple of worlds that put them within one jump of Skye, a regional capital. Unwilling to continue pressing forward, but unable to reclaim their lost worlds, the Lyran assault ground to a halt.